Crispy German Kartoffelpuffer
These traditional German potato pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer, are a delightful treat, offering a perfect blend of crispiness and flavor. Whether you prefer them crispy with grated potatoes or fluffy with leftover mash, the added onions provide an irresistible depth of flavor. Perfect as a versatile breakfast option, a savory brunch dish, or an appetizing side for dinner, these Kartoffelpuffer can also be enhanced with jalapeños or red peppers for those who like a kick of spice.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
2 (beaten)
russet potatoes
4 (cleaned and shredded)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup
grated onion
1/4 cup
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
vegetable oil
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, grated onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until well integrated.
2
Using your hands, squeeze the shredded potatoes to remove excess moisture and add them to the egg mixture. Mix until the potatoes are thoroughly coated.
3
Heat a portion of the vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
4
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture onto the skillet, gently flattening it with the back of the spoon to form pancakes.
5
Cook each pancake until the underside is golden brown, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
6
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep warm. Continue frying the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
7
Serve immediately while hot, optionally pairing with homemade applesauce and sour cream, or garnish with a softly poached egg.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kartoffelpuffer?
Kartoffelpuffer are traditional German potato pancakes known for their crispy texture and savory flavor.
What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 russet potatoes that have been cleaned and shredded.
Why do I need to squeeze the shredded potatoes?
You must squeeze the potatoes to remove excess moisture, which ensures the pancakes become crispy rather than soggy.
How many eggs are required?
This recipe requires 2 beaten eggs to help bind the potato mixture.
What is the purpose of adding flour?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is added to the mixture to help the pancakes hold their shape during frying.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be grated and you will need 1/4 cup for the recipe.
What seasonings are used in German Kartoffelpuffer?
The pancakes are seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is used for frying, requiring about 1/4 cup total.
At what temperature should I heat the skillet?
You should heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
How much batter should I use for each pancake?
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture onto the skillet for each individual pancake.
How do I form the pancake shape in the pan?
Gently flatten the potato mixture with the back of a spoon once it is in the skillet.
How long do the pancakes take to cook on the first side?
Each pancake should cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
How long do I cook the second side?
After flipping, cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
What should I do after removing the pancakes from the skillet?
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them warm.
What are traditional sweet toppings for Kartoffelpuffer?
They are commonly paired with homemade applesauce.
What are traditional savory toppings?
Sour cream or a softly poached egg are excellent savory garnishes.
Can I make these potato pancakes spicy?
Yes, you can enhance the batter with jalape os or red peppers for a kick of spice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these German potato pancakes are vegetarian.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes instead of shredded potatoes?
Yes, using leftover mash results in a fluffier version of the Kartoffelpuffer.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely, they are a versatile breakfast option or a savory brunch dish.
Can these be served as a side dish for dinner?
Yes, they make an appetizing side dish for dinner.
What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large, heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution.
Should the eggs be added whole?
No, the eggs should be beaten before being combined with the other ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: eggs, russet potatoes, flour, onion, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the beaten eggs, flour, grated onion, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
When should I serve the Kartoffelpuffer?
They should be served immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
Can I add more oil during the cooking process?
Yes, you should add more oil to the skillet as needed while frying the remaining batter.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
They are savory and aromatic due to the addition of onions, salt, and pepper.
What provides the depth of flavor in this recipe?
The added grated onions provide an irresistible depth of flavor to the potato base.